Nigeria, Jan. 15 -- The Nigerian Exchange closed higher as renewed buying interest in key stocks pushed the market further into positive territory.

The All Share Index gained 0.56 per cent, adding 934.62 points to settle at 166,771.95 points, while total market value increased by about N599 billion to N106.78 trillion.

Trading sentiment was upbeat, driven by price appreciation in several large and mid capitalised stocks, including Seplat Energy, Aradel Holdings, NCR Nigeria, MeCure Industries and Multiverse Mining and Exploration. The gains outweighed losses across the market, with 47 stocks advancing against 28 decliners.

Academy Press led the gainers with a 10 per cent rise to N8.25, closely followed by NCR Nigeria, which climbed al...